Elk post a picture of the other side of the blade and also one of the underside of the ricasso(underside of handle look straight down on blade edge).

I believe you might have an early Sanmai model before they were marked as such. I’m seeing the distinctive line of a sandwiched core laminate. If so it could be worth several hundred dollars if timed right.

Glare, can you see a slightly darker shade of metal that looks sandwiched in that last pic on the flat part of the ricasso right above the blade guard? If so you have a Sanmai blade. Based on the tang stamps I’m guessing yours is mid to late 80s. If that’s the original sheath it will also add value.

So if you have the unmarked Sanmai model with original sheath and it’s in really good condition your in the couple hundred dollar range. I have this one which dear friend and calgunner gave to me.

It really depends if a collector is looking for one to fill a variation in their collection or two bidders going at it. I’ve seen them sell for +$200 and less than $50 because the seller didn’t know what they had.

yes, that is the original scabbard. At least and to a larger degree I want to sell it to a collector who will keep the knife and not to buy it just to "flip" it. I'm probably being unreasonable but that's what I want to do I want a long time home for it. As for the money side of it if I make a buck or two on it and it finds a good home then all the better. Thank you for all the help with this.

Don't think it's San Mai. There should be a very visible line 1/8" or so above the edge if it were.
Guessing it;s an original CS Tanto fwiw.

You could be correct. Enlarging the original picture it appears to be the original grind line that I was looking at. Plus the lamination line on mine that I dug out of storage it much higher up on the blade.